A 600-Square-Foot Studio Apartment Proves the Power of a Half-Painted Wall

published Jun 1, 2020

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Name: Marlee Bever and My cat, Mira
Location: Los Feliz — Los Angeles, California
Type of home: Studio Apartment
Size: 600 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year, renting

Credit: Marlee Bever

My view every morning when I wake up! Most things are vintage in this photo, including the pillow my grandmother made.

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: Me and my 12-year-old cat Mira moved to our bright, 600-square-foot studio a year ago in Los Feliz (neighborhood in East LA), and we couldn’t be happier! After a recent living situation went south, I knew I needed a change and to find a place to feel my best. Everyone who knows me would say my place is definitely “Marlee,” and that’s so important to me. From the bold pinks and oranges to family vintage items and all my hidden brass cats, it’s my little magical paradise. Even in a studio space, I still find new things to add and perfect, like the wall I just painted behind my bed. For me, it’s all about finding the perfect little pieces to fit and decorate every space.

Credit: Marlee Bever

Living room space. The fabric tapestry is one of my favorite things in this space. It was really inspiration for a lot of the color in my apartment.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Eclectic, whimsical, colorful, bright, magical.

Credit: Marlee Bever

Little kitchen nook. I kept my kitchen area more simple but added a pop of color with this poster print. The chairs were also a thrifted find and a favorite.

What is your favorite room and why? I really only have one room, but I love my bedroom area! It’s the closest to the large back window and gets so much light, plus when I open my windows I wake up hearing the birds in the morning—just call me Snow White! It’s also my favorite place to take photos of Mira napping in the sun; it’s also her favorite spot in the apartment. With my huge brass mirror, it’s the perfect photo backdrop for those morning IG shots.

Credit: Marlee Bever

Another angle of the bedroom area, plus the new desk I recently bought.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? During this quarantine and now having to work from home indefinitely, I decided to buy a desk and use it as a nightstand next to one side of my bed. Although a desk isn’t necessarily a fun purchase, it was definitely necessary and added a little extra character to the room! Plus, it gives me more space to add little trinkets and books to stack on.

Credit: Marlee Bever

Little odds and ends. A vintage shell holder with vintage and modern matches I've created, vintage catchall Disneyland jewelry dish and my favorite book, "It's ok to feel things deeply."

Any advice for creating a home you love? Especially now, we’re spending so much time in our homes and spaces and it’s so important to make it truly feel like YOU! I’ve lived in spaces where I couldn’t express my creative freedom and for me, that was especially hard since I love bright colors and funky designs mixed.

Credit: Marlee Bever

This shelf was thrifted online and gave me so much joy when I added it to the space.

So make sure you make your space something that will always put a smile on your face. You don’t necessarily have to go along with trends either. I think it’s easy to get caught up in what’s “in” right now. If you like it and it makes you happy, then do it. For me personally, I think it’s fun to mix modern pieces with vintage thrifty finds. It really gives a space a mix of stories and a unique vibe!

Credit: Marlee Bever

Little nook in my living room space. The Uke was a going away gift at my previous job.

This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.

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